@ brian328: I recently moved here from out-of-state as well. The process is quite lengthy, so the sooner you get a jump on it the better. This is how to do it 1) go to the Texas EMS website and print out the EMS out-of-state reciprocity application. 2) Fill it out, and 3) take your Verification Form A (page 3 or 4 in the application I believe) to the EMS agency in LA and ask for Lucy Adams. She will fill it out and fax it to Austin. I am assuming you are LA certified. 4) Make a check out to Texas Department of State Health Services for $126. 5) Make a front and back photocopy of all of your certs including your NREMT and CPR card. 6) Include your app, check and copy of your certs in an envelope addressed to Texas Department of State Health Services Cash Receipts Branch, MC 2003
P.O. Box 149347 Austin, Texas 78714-9347. While you are out at the EMS Agency, I recommend mailing your app at the same time. There is a post office across the street from the EMS agency in Santa Fe Springs on the SW corner.
I did not have my NREMT current, so I had to take a NREMT Assessment Test which was essentially the NREMT test without the cert at the end.
Now you play the waiting game. The process as it was explained to me takes about 5 weeks from time of mail to get to the right person. The Austin DHS houses everything medical from acupuncture and dentistry to medical doctors. Everything must go through them. They have their own mail room which is anything but productive. After they receive your app, it takes an additional 2-3 weeks to process it. My app took about 8 weeks from time of mail to receipt of cert.
You can check the status of your app by a) calling (512) 834-6700 or b) going to the Texas EMS website and clicking on the Check Certification Status link
Hope this helps!!
MikloHP